The European Parliament has voted in favour of banning conversion therapy practices across the European Union, marking an important step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in Europe.

The vote follows a European Citizens’ Initiative launched in January 2024 by ACT LGBT. That initiative gathered more than 1.2 million signatures from citizens calling for a ban on these practices.

The outcome of the vote is seen as a strong political signal to the European Commission, the only EU institution that can formally propose binding legislation for all member states. With this decision, Parliament is urging the Commission to come forward with concrete proposals.

If the proposal is developed further, it would lead to a ban on all forms of conversion therapy, both for minors and for adults across the European Union.

Conversion therapy refers to practices aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. These practices have long been condemned by medical organisations and human rights groups.

Advocacy organisations describe the vote as an important milestone in strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ people across Europe and hope it will lead to concrete legislation soon.